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About usThe Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand (AENZ) is based at AUT University and is an internationally significant body for research in applied ecology. The Institute’s mission is to engage in high-quality research with importance and immediacy to New Zealand and global environmental issues. We have a strong commitment to making contributions relevant at the science-policy interface, and thus have direct beneficial impacts on society and the natural environment.
Our website is the main portal for information on our activities and services. We publish a Technical Report Series for contracted research projects. The Institute maintains a Google Scholar site that displays metrics for all our academic research outputs. AENZ also maintains an active presence on social media including Blog, Facebook, Twitter and a YouTube channel.
We welcome enquiries on research projects and commercial services.
Website: www.aenz.aut.ac.nz Email: [email protected]
TUATARA 1
POHUTUKAWA 2
DEEP-SEA GLASS SQUI
D 3
1 New Zealand’s endemic Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus)
2 New Zealand’s iconic Pohutukawa tree (Metrosideros excelsa)
3 Deep-sea glass squid (Family: Cranchiidae), is found in deep waters near New Zealand.
Research areas AENZ has four thematic areas that reflect staff expertise and track record in research. Applied Conservation
The application of new technology and innovative research with practical outcomes at the science-policy interface.
Human-Environment InteractionsUnderstanding the important roles, effects and consequences of human interactions with their surroundings.
Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Resolving ecosystem function and promoting sustainable and responsible use of marine resources.
Plant Ecology and Global ChangeThe interactions of plants with their environment and impacts of disturbance at local and global scales.
Applied Conservation A core area of our research is in understanding, valuing and protecting New Zealand’s natural environment. We have close collaborative links with the Department of Conservation (DoC), Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA). We have a very strong geographic information systems (GIS) team that is involved in many of these projects, and they are leaders in the application of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drone technology in conservation solutions.
Staff research expertise includes:
Antarctic Microbiology – ecological role and conservation value of terrestrial microbial communities.
Biogeography and Evolution – resolving patterns and drivers of contemporary species distribution.
Conservation GIS – application of UAV drones for high-resolution spatial mapping in conservation.
Restoration Ecology – role of seabirds in island ecosystems, recovery of reptile populations after predator removal, and the roles of people in island restoration.
Human-Environment Interactions An effective approach to modern ecology requires that humans be considered as an integral part of both natural and designed environments. We explore the range of humans’ engagement with their surroundings and seek to better understand the effects of those interactions. Thus, projects range from workplace design and air quality, to environmental reservoirs for pathogens and food safety. A further strength lies in socio-ecological research to identify how humans perceive and value their natural environment for recreational, aesthetic and other purposes. Identifying the value of natural resources in providing nutraceutical and medicinal products is a further focus of this theme.
Staff research expertise includes:
Bioactives and Food Safety – evaluating health benefits of extracts and compounds found in seaweeds, shellfish and other marine organisms. Identifying and assessing microbial and chemical hazards in food production and processing.
Infectious Diseases and Immunology – the microbiology, immunology and diagnostics of leptospirosis and other infectious diseases.
Public Health Aerosol Microbial Ecology – risk assessment of airborne microbial populations and microbially-derived allergens.
Socio-Ecological Systems – public participatory research to understand how humans perceive and value their natural environment.
Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Our marine ecological research spans coastal, benthic and deep-sea systems. Projects focus on understanding the natural system and also the impacts of perturbation. We also have strength in understanding the contribution of science to sustainability issues in fisheries, identifying under-utilised fisheries, and developing novel solutions in aquaculture. Our overall goal is to promote sustainable marine harvest in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Staff research expertise includes:
Aquaculture and Fisheries – hatcheries, behavioural and life cycle studies, and assessments of environmental impacts from aquaculture; stock assessment, population dynamics and ecology of fisheries in New Zealand and the Pacific.
Aquatic Biogeochemistry – how environmental change affects biogeochemical processes and the functioning of diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Cetacean Conservation – the environmental and social costs of whale stranding in New Zealand, and the impact of marine tourism on cetaceans.
Deep-Sea Ecology – biodiversity, ecology and trophic relationships in deep-sea cephalopods and fish.
Mangrove Ecology – ecology and physiology of mangrove plants, ecosystem services and mangrove interactions with other biota.
Plant Ecology and Global Change This theme examines the responses of plants to environmental change, and the profound impacts these have on ecosystems. Our research also tackles some of the most fundamental questions in ecology such as ‘what limits plant growth?’, ‘how do plants eventually die under drought?’, and ‘how do trees transport water?’. Approaches include ecological, physiological and genetic interrogation. These are applied to forest, grassland, mangrove and cryptogamic systems.
Staff research expertise includes:
Plants in Geothermal Soils – ecological and physiological responses to soil warming, geothermal soils as model systems for climate change.
Plant Physiology and Response to Environmental Change – plant ecophysiology, with particular focus on carbon and water relations, response and resilience to climate change.
Plant-Virus Interactions – molecular analysis of plant-virus interactions and viral evolution, with particular focus on native plants.
Regional Impacts of Disturbance to Dryland Ecosystems – role of cryptogams in stabilising soils and the impacts of airborne dust dispersal.
Innovative Environmental Research Solutions The Institute benefits from excellent research facilities and staff expertise, with a track record of providing effective solutions through rigorous science. We welcome enquiries on our research and consultancy services.
Our facilities include:
Aerial Drones for Remote Sensing• Incorporating infra-red, multispectral, thermal, and vegetation
stress cameras.
Analytical Chemistry Suite • Platforms include AA, ICP-AES, HPLC, GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, and NMR.
AUT-Roche Diagnostics Laboratory • Biochemistry, haematology, and immunology analysers, real-time PCR, and a
high-throughput sequencing platform.
Marine Research Vessels and SCUBA• 10.7m and 4.7m vessels, aquatic and benthic sampling devices, and SCUBA support.
Microscopy Suite• Atomic-force, fluorescence, laser-confocal, Raman, and SEM.
Recirculating Aquaculture System and Aquaria• 10,000L recirculating aquaculture system, plus freshwater and
marine aquaria.
Examples of Successful Research Services Evaluating Sustainability of a New Surf Clam Fishery in New ZealandClient: Cloudy Bay Clams Ltd.Outcome summary: Establishment of sustainable quota for a new surf clam fishery. In 2013 we received a national award for research commercialisation.
Microbial Recovery Using Subsurface Drill TechnologyClient: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), USA. Outcome summary: Recovery of microbial bio-signatures from a prototype rover-mounted drill in Mars analogue desert soils.
Pest-Eradication on Seabird IslandsClient: Department of Conservation. Outcome summary: Systematic measurement of effectiveness of pest eradication for management, development of restoration plans for seabird islands.
The Hauraki Gulf Use and Values SurveyClient: Sea Change – Tai Timu Tai Pari Partners. Outcome summary: Interpreting public perception and valuation of the Hauraki Gulf, to be used in development of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Spatial Plan.
Website: www.aenz.aut.ac.nzEmail: [email protected]: www.kiwi-ecology.blogspot.co.nz
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:Institute for Applied Ecology New ZealandAUT University 34 St Paul StreetAuckland 1010New Zealand
POSTAL ADDRESS:Institute for Applied Ecology New ZealandPrivate Bag 92006Auckland 1142New ZealandTelephone: +64 (9) 921 9999 Ext: 8757
Image credit:Barbara Bollard-BreenKat Bolstad Matthew JonesSteph Borrelle
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@aenz_autappliedecologynz Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand